Manufacturing Metallurgist

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For more than 165 years, Mueller Water Products, Inc. has been building the future of water infrastructure. From lifesaving fire protection to data intelligence, we are committed to developing products and solutions that help cities and utilities deliver clean, safe drinking water to hundreds of millions of people across North America.

Our purpose is to connect communities to water, life's most essential resource, with exceptional, people solutions and products. Behind that purpose is a dedicated team, united by our shared values of respect, integrity, trust, inclusion and safety. With a vision to be the leader in water infrastructure solutions-solving challenges, enriching lives and safeguarding the future-we are making a positive impact that will last for generations.

We champion our people because when they succeed, our communities thrive. We invite you to learn more about career opportunities with us and consider submitting your application.
Metallurgist
Shape the Future of Brass Metallurgy - Mueller is seeking a highly skilled Metallurgist to join our team in Decatur, IL-a critical role at the intersection of metallurgy, manufacturing, and innovation. This position is ideal for a technically driven professional who thrives in a hands-on foundry environment and wants to directly influence material performance, process capability, and product quality at scale.
At Mueller, you won't just support production-you'll drive metallurgical advancement across alloy development, process optimization, and defect reduction, helping us expand capabilities and unlock new market opportunities.
What You'll Do - As a key technical expert, you will partner closely with operations, engineering, and leadership to elevate metallurgical performance across our brass foundry and downstream processes.
Lead metallurgical analysis and process improvements across melting, casting, heat treatment, and machining operations
Drive reduction of micro-porosity, inclusions, and other casting defects through advanced process control and root cause analysis
Develop and optimize brass alloys to enhance mechanical properties, manufacturability, and performance
Spearhead technical projects such as chip reconstitution and scrap utilization strategies
Improve yield, reduce scrap, and minimize non-conformances through data-driven methodologies
Apply statistical analysis to anticipate process variation and improve manufacturing consistency
Serve as a metallurgical authority supporting quality investigations, customer concerns, and internal troubleshooting
Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance manufacturing capabilities and enable product innovation
Train and mentor operations personnel on metallurgical principles, best practices, and process controls
Identify opportunities to expand Mueller's material applications and support entry into new markets
Direct influence over alloy selection, casting performance, and metallurgical quality
Hands-On Impact: Work closely with melt decks, furnaces, and machining processes-not just behind a desk
Drive real advancements in brass metallurgy, recycling, and process capability
BS or MS in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

• 4+ years of progressive metallurgical experience in a manufacturing environment
• Direct experience in brass foundry operations (required)
• Strong background in heat treatment and phase transformation behavior
• Experience with alloy development and materials selection

Strong analytical skills, including statistical process analysis
Proven ability to translate metallurgical theory into practical, shop-floor improvements
Passion for continuous improvement, materials science, and manufacturing excellence
Mueller has a long-standing reputation in metal manufacturing, with a commitment to quality, innovation, and operational excellence. The compensation range above reflects a good-faith estimate of starting base pay for full-time (40 hours per week) employment as of the date of posting. Current benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with 5% Company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability benefits, vacation, 100% paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement program, student debt retirement matching, well-being program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-provided life insurance, supplemental insurance at group rates, and more.

Mueller Water Products, Inc., All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression), age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In keeping with its obligations under applicable federal, state, and local law, Mueller will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or interview process, please contact a member of the Human Resources Department.

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E-Verify is a web-based system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. The system compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. This notice applies to all applicants and employees, including those hired to work remotely.

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